Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir | April 25, 2025 –
Amid the horror of the recent terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a tale of immense bravery and selflessness has emerged — one that underscores the humanity that shines even in moments of deepest darkness.
On April 22, militants armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines launched a brutal and targeted attack on a group of tourists in the lush green meadows of Baisaran, often referred to as "Mini Switzerland" of Kashmir. The gunmen reportedly segregated men from women and children, demanding that male tourists recite Islamic verses to prove their faith. Those who could not were mercilessly executed at close range. Some reports also indicate that the attackers checked for physical identifiers to determine religious identity.
In the midst of this bloodshed, 28-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony handler from Anantnag, rose to the occasion with unparalleled courage. Witnesses say that upon hearing gunshots, Adil rushed toward the danger instead of fleeing. In an attempt to protect the tourists, he tried to wrestle a weapon away from one of the attackers. He was shot during the scuffle and later succumbed to his injuries.
His actions, though tragically fatal, are being hailed across the country as heroic.
As the chaos unfolded, it wasn’t just Adil who stepped up. Local pony operators and villagers braved the violence, carrying injured tourists down steep trails on ponies and makeshift stretchers. With roads inaccessible to ambulances, it was the locals who acted as first responders, saving lives before security forces could arrive.
“Adil could have run like the rest, but he didn’t. He chose to stand between the terrorists and innocent people,” said Bashir Ahmad, a fellow pony handler who survived the attack. “We will never forget his sacrifice.”
The death toll has risen to 26, including 25 tourists and one local hero, with more than 20 others injured. The attack has drawn strong condemnation from Indian leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a “dastardly and painful” incident, vowing swift and severe action against those responsible.
Political leaders from across the spectrum praised the heroism of locals like Adil, calling their actions a “glimmer of humanity in an inhuman act.”
Tourists who survived the attack, including several from Tamil Nadu, have shared stories of how locals risked their lives to protect and shelter them. “They treated us like family,” said one tourist. “Without them, we wouldn’t be alive today.”
Adil's funeral in Anantnag was attended by hundreds, with villagers, tourists, and police officers paying their respects. A campaign is underway to posthumously honor him with a national bravery award.
While the Pahalgam attack has cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism season, it has also revealed the resilience and courage of its people. Amid bullets and bloodshed, individuals like Syed Adil Hussain Shah have reminded the world that true heroism has no uniform — only heart.
To support Adil’s family and recognize the acts of local heroes, community groups have launched fundraising and memorial initiatives.
